“Safe worship for another 100 years.” Can you hear those words echoing through time? They speak to the incredible restoration work done here at Emmanuel United Methodist Church.
This Evanston church stands as a testament to faith and architectural beauty. Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s story began in the 1870s. It started within the Scandinavian Districts of the Central Illinois Conference. The current church building was first occupied in 1913. Soon after moving in, the congregation adopted the Emmanuel name.
Look at the reddish-brown sandstone that makes up these walls. Burnham and Root, a famous Chicago architectural firm, designed this masterpiece. It was erected in 1891 in English-Parish style. This is a modified Gothic design with low, massive walls. Notice the high, steep roof and the tower to the side. Amber windows complete the picture.
Originally, skylights extended the length of the sanctuary roof. The steep tower roof is also gone now. These are the only major architectural changes to Emmanuel United Methodist Church over the years.
Inside Emmanuel United Methodist Church, history whispers. Abraham Lincoln once used a pulpit here during a visit to Evanston. It is still in use today. A 19th-century silver communion service is also still used.
In March 1958, “Together” magazine recognized Emmanuel United Methodist Church. The magazine is a publication of Methodism. It selected Emmanuel as one of eight churches in the United States with outstanding architecture. The Evanston Review and the Chicago Tribune later highlighted this honor.
Let’s talk about the organ. The Roosevelt firm of New York City built and installed it in 1892. Though the Roosevelt brothers were only in business from 1875 to 1895, their instruments were exceptional. Their name remains distinguished in American organ building history. By the mid-1960s, the organ’s mechanical parts had deteriorated. Mr. Semerad Sr. of Em. Semerad and Son of Chicago was entrusted with its restoration. The old draw-knob console was replaced with a modern, all-electric console. The Austin Organ Co. built it. The renovated instrument was rededicated in December 1965. Except for the top note additions, all of the pipe-work is original. It has not been revoiced.
The Emmanuel congregation evolved over time. In the 1960s, a variety of ethnic groups joined the aging Scandinavian congregation. They were seeking opportunity in the Evanston community. A Cuban family was sponsored in 1962. By 1970, West Indians had joined. The Asian ministry began in 1977. John Rathod sought funds for his home church in India. Gujarati language services started in 1978. Rev. Isaac Cornelious later joined him. He led the Hindi language fellowship. Today, the congregation represents a multicultural body. Members come from Jamaica, India, and the United States.
Emmanuel United Methodist Church continues its mission today. It embraces many cultures and connects in ministry to the entire world. Emmanuel extends its outreach to the diverse immigrant Indian community. They are united as one body expressed through many cultures. Remember this place. Remember its history. Remember its mission to share the gospel with all who will hear it.